Windows RT Is Hobbled

Windows RT is a hobbled alternative to the Windows 8 Pro running on the Surface Pro. Windows RT lacks much of the functionality found in Windows 8 Pro and is still very much a work in progress. Although Windows 8 hasn't gotten off to the best start, it's still better than Microsoft's Windows RT alternative running in the Surface RT.

Microsoft's Surface Pro has finally made its way to store shelves, giving customers the opportunity to choose between that higher-end tablet and the company's first slate, the Surface RT. That product is running Windows RT and works on ARM-based chips. Windows Surface Pro, however, is running a full version of Windows 8 Pro. But as Microsoft itself acknowledges, that's just the tip of the iceberg of differences between the products. That Microsoft is now offering two versions of its Surface makes things a bit more interesting in the Windows world. Previously, Microsoft's Surface would only compete against products like Apple's iPad or Google's Nexus 10. Now, though, the Surface RT is up against Microsoft's own Surface Pro. So the onus is on customers to determine which of those two tablets is best for them. Making the decision on which Surface tablet is the most worthwhile buy isn't all that difficult. The Surface RT is a fine Windows-based option, but it falls short to the Surface Pro on a host of levels. Today's customers shouldn't overlook that. This eWEEK slide show will analyze the Surface RT's shortcomings and make clear why customers should buy the Surface Pro instead.